Ryan Jordan
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Photo Essay: A Traverse of the Bob Marshall Wilderness by Foot and Packraft
We entered at Benchmark (on the South Fork Sun), exited at Silvertip (on the Spotted Bear), and had the time of our lives over a few relaxing days while making long miles in a packraft on the South Fork.
Alpacka Ultralight Paddle Review
A packrafting paddle is not a particularly special thing. It’s simply a kayak paddle, capable of being broken down into two or four pieces for easy stowage while inside or attached to a pack.
GoPro Wide Helmet Cam Review
Practical application review on using the helmet cam in the backcountry... essentially, how does it do?
Backcountry Fly Fishing with Tenkara: Ultralight Style and Simplicity
The literal translation of the Japanese word 'Tenkara' is 'from Heaven.' Fitting for a lightweight fly rod characterized by elegance, grace, and simplicity.
Two in One Boat: A Photo and Video Essay from Montana’s Jefferson River
Father and son float trip in the lowlands. Experience Ryan Jordan's wild ride through skeeters and heat exhaustion, including running low on key supplies. Or... not.
Two in One Boat: Sharing a Packraft on a River Trip
With 40 lbs from skin out for both father and son, would our contingency plan of "snuggling for warmth" come into play?
Photo Essay: Packrafting the Madison River
Stretches of the Madison River can be described as a "booze cruise," where innertube flotillas of relaxing college students and drift boats of fly-fishers fill the river. The Bear Trap canyon isn't one of those stretches, especially during spring snowmelt.
ZPacks Blast 18 Backpack Review
At less than four ounces and roomy enough for a weekend of SUL gear (30L), the ZPacks Blast 18 certainly qualifies as "SUL" by the standard set several years ago by the Gossamer Gear G6, but is far more durable (yet has a similar weight as the first G6).
Garmin Oregon 550t Promises Hi-Res Topo Mapping Display, Touchscreen, and Integrated 3.2MP Camera
While GPS units are getting bigger and heavier, at least they are also becoming more functional. The Garmin Oregon 550t integrates 100k topo maps, a hi-res display, and a 3.2MP digital camera.
Spring Footwear: Lightweight Overboot & High Gaiter Systems for Keeping Feet Warm & Dry
Foremost among the challenges that spring hikers face is the presence of melting snow and the prospect of continuously wet feet. Ryan Jordan presents his two favorite footwear systems for cold or warm spring conditions.
Seven Million Toasters: A Tribute to Coghlan’s 50th Birthday
Coghlan's celebrates 50 years of service to the Outdoor Industry.
The Unbearable Heaviness of Business and the State of Outdoor Retailer
There is a cost of doing business in the outdoor industry, especially as a collective whole. Can social media alleviate some of that cost, or is it simply a mechanism for increasing the clutter of information coming from OR?
Backpacking Light Magazine Announces Discontinuation of Print Version
Publisher Ryan Jordan recalls moments worth celebrating.
The Unconventional Sleep Systems Manifesto
A Comprehensive Primer and Market Analysis of Top Bags, Quilts, and Wearable Systems
Backcountry Hygiene for Ultralight and Long-Distance Hikers
A short primer on the topic of backcountry hygiene to help you minimize the risk of contracting stomach-borne illnesses while in the backcountry.
Frameless Backpacks: Engineering Analysis of the Load Carrying Performance of Selected Lightweight Packs
Introduction The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the load carrying performance of several frameless packs available to the ultralight backpacking community. Frameless backpacks tested in this...
Quantitative Analysis of Backpack Suspension Performance
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The Arc Bag Concept: Saving Weight with Variable Girth Sleeping Bags Having an “Arc” Shaped Cross Section
As we prepare to announce the launch of the Backpacking Light website, it is probably appropriate to introduce a teaser about what we intend to spend a great deal of time with this year: clothing and sleep systems for ultralight hiking, with a focus on quilts.
